New defensive coordinator Brad White has officially taken over for Matt House, but his biggest task right now is to rebuild the Jack and Sam linebacker spots. Josh Allen is off to the NFL with his career 42 tackles for loss and 31.5 sacks. Outside of Boogie Watson, no UK OLB has received major playing time and rebuilding this position is one of the staff’s biggest current jobs.

Not only was Allen lost, the Cats lost Kengera Daniel to a grad transfer immediately after the season. The senior was going to bring a veteran presence to the Jack position and would’ve entered the season as the starter. Then this past week we learned that redshirt sophomore Chris Whittaker has entered the transfer portal. The former three-star recruit out of Hollywood, Florida had yet to play a game for UK.

This past week, Brad White and Boogie Watson have both admitted that that the Sam backer has been cross-training at Jack. The DMV product is entering his redshirt junior year fresh off a season where he produced five sacks in sidekick role to the superstar on the other side. However, his playing experience and some added weight may make him a likely candidate to fill the enormous shoes left behind by Josh Allen.

Watson has put on nine lbs. in the offseason and is up to 242 pounds according to the 2019 spring roster released earlier this week. That is solid size for that position and he could be able to take on the physicality that is needed when playing near the line of scrimmage on a full-time basis. Who replaces Watson on the other side could be the biggest issue.

At his opening day press conference, Mark Stoops announced that junior college transfer Marquez Bembry would be out for the entirety of spring practice. Therefore, that meant true freshman Jared Casey was going to get plenty of run during the next 15 practices.

The linebacker prospect was the highest rated player in UK’s class of 2019 and a huge recruiting win for Vince Marrow in the city of Louisville. Casey has the ability to play inside or outside and his height (6-foot-1) would make it appear that he would be better suited on the inside. However, UK is on record for saying that he will begin his college career on the edge and he’s already receiving glowing reviews from his upperclassmen teammates. There’s a chance he could enter fall camp as the starter at Sam.

However, the numbers are thin outside of Boogie Watson and Jared Casey. Seldom used redshirt sophomore Alex King appears to be the top backup at Jack. UK gets Marquez Bembry back in the fall at Sam in addition to freshmen K.D. McDaniel and J.J. Weaver. Both project at the Jack spot, but Weaver seems better suited to be a full-time hand-in-the dirt defensive end.

It’s clear that the depth of Brad White’s position group is going to get tested. With some very solid players inside with limited snaps available, there could be a scenario at some point where Jamin Davis or Chris Oats could get some run at Sam backer. Or UK could just lean heavily on an experienced defensive line.

Outside of Adrian Middleton and reserve Tymere Dubose, Kentucky returns their entire defensive line from last season and each player has received big game reps. The most talented of the group will be entering his first full season along the defensive front.

Joshua Paschal is back on the practice field full-time following missing most of last season with melanoma and the former top-300 recruit brings a whole lot of talent to that defensive line. In a limited sample size, Paschal has shown very good short area quickness in addition to the size and strength needed to take on SEC offensive tackles in isolation situations. He has a chance to be a dominant run stuffer.

Next to Paschal will be redshirt senior Calvin Taylor Jr. who has emerged into a really quality player for the Wildcats. The afterthought recruit from Georgia has been one of the better development stories of the Mark Stoops era. The 6-foot-9 senior had six tackles for loss last season and was second on the team with 9.5 run stuffs.

He can play inside, but is at his best at end. T.J. Carter will also be used at end and the senior has started a ton of games for Kentucky the past two seasons. UK’s best option may be to use Paschal and Taylor as bookends on the defensive line with Carter as a rotational piece off the bench.

On the interior, Quinton Bohanna returns at nose and the junior from the Memphis area has been very productive when he is healthy. His primary backup this season will be Marquan McCall who looked very promising during his true freshman season. Over at tackle, UK returns senior Phil Hoskins and redshirt junior Kordell Looney. That’s a lot playing time and experience at UK’s disposal on the line of scrimmage.

After his first season at the helm, Mark Stoops decided to switch from a base 4-3 to a base 3-4 defense. It appeared that the idea was that it was going to be easier for UK to find and develop outside linebacker prospects rather than fight tooth and nail for top notch defensive line prospects that the entire world of college football needs. After a few years, you cannot say that it wasn’t a good decision.

It gave time for UK to build a defensive line by development and gaining playing time experience. It allowed UK to mold two outside linebackers (Josh Allen and Bud Dupree) into first round picks. But now the script has flipped a bit. The Wildcats now find themselves thin at outside linebacker and with plenty of options along the defensive line. We hear all the time about coaches wanting to be “multiple” and this year they must prove that is true.

Kentucky’s best 11 cannot be on the field unless the Wildcats are playing Quinton Bohanna, Joshua Paschal, and Calvin Taylor Jr. When you consider that Taylor’s best suited at a defensive end spot it would make sense to get Phil Hoskins or Kordell Looney in the lineup as much as possible. Then you add in the inexperience at the outside linebacker spots. Boogie Watson is a proven piece, but after that there are a lot of questions. Jared Casey and Jordan Wright are both two youngsters with a lot of talent, but they still have a lot to prove. It would be very valuable if you could lean on your experienced defensive line as you bring along your inexperienced edge players.

In today’s football, you’re going to spend most of your time in subpackages. Kentucky is going to need five defensive backs on the field, but at the end of the day the SEC is a line of scrimmage league. To win games you have to establish the run on offense and stop the run on defense. To do that, UK needs to lean on its defensive line. After multiple years of the front being a weakness, in 2019 the defensive line needs to set the tone.

Fifteen years after he played linebacker for Rich Brooks’ Wildcats, Sumrall returns to Lexington to coach Mark Stoops’ inside linebackers.

“The University of Kentucky means a lot to me,” Sumrall said. “I had the opportunity to play here. To be able to wear the UK logo on my chest gives me a little extra juice. I’m already a firey, emotional coach, but it gives me a little extra oomph and excitement. That had a definite pull.”

His background helps him blend into the program seamlessly, while his style reflects the Cats’ head coach.

“I coach with a chip on my shoulder,” Sumrall said. “The fact that I achieved [as a player] is a big deal, because I probably didn’t belong at this level, truthfully. I prided myself on what to do, being able to communicate clearly and confident, and try to do things the right way.”

How he played is how he coaches, which sometimes requires him to play.

“He’s got more energy. He’ll run behind you during a play,” Chris Oats revealed. “If you make a mistake, he wants you to go 100 miles per hour.”

The fiery energy Sumrall carries with him from the field, into the homes of recruits, is inspired by a quote from Bear Bryant.

“If you’re not fired with enthusiasm, you’re going to get fired with enthusiasm.”

Many of the lessons Sumrall took with him into coaching stem from his time playing for Coach Brooks. The mentality that made Kentucky successful in the mid-00s is not much different than what the program plays with now.

“I see a lot of Coach Brooks in Coach Stoops,” Sumrall said. “They both built their program here similarly. They weren’t looking for an overnight quick fix. They did things blue collar, tough, hard-nosed, just kind of consistent daily-process driven,” he continued.

“Coach Stoops and what he’s accomplished here and what he’s building here speaks for itself. The opportunity to be a part of that and help build upon what they’ve been doing, couple that with the opportunity to come to where I played, was something I just couldn’t turn down.”

A fiery, passionate personality leading a group of talented inside linebackers, once Sumrall gets rolling on the recruiting front, you’ll understand why he is the perfect fit for the Kentucky football team.

In 2018, Kentucky’s defense never looked better. Replicating a similar equation will not be simple, but Boogie Watson believes Mark Stoops found the right man for the job.

“He’s a football genius in my opinion,” Watson said Thursday morning. “Coming from the NFL, since the first day he got here he helped me out with everything I’ve done. His pass rush techniques have helped me tremendously. As a whole defense I think he has some good schemes he’s installing right now.”

“It’s a great feeling to be able to touch all aspects of this defense. Obviously, Coach House did a phenomenal job, so big shoes to fill. The nice thing is I don’t have to do it by myself. I have a lot of really capable people to lean on, people that have been there before,” White said. “In terms of being your first time calling [plays], I couldn’t have a better situation.”

White will be surrounded by a few former coordinators and head coaches. Prior to taking the job at UK, Stoops was a defensive coordinator at two power five programs. Steve Clinkscale previously coordinated Cincinnati’s defense. Dean Hood was a head coach at EKU and coached White in college as Wake Forest’s defensive coordinator. They veterans shared simple advice to White as he makes the transition from position coach to coordinator.

“Be you. Don’t try to be someone else. Don’t try to be Coach Hood. Don’t try to be Coach House. Don’t try to be Coach Stoops. I’ve gotta be me. The way I coach is the way I coach and our defense is our defense. There may be some nuances here and there. The way I call a game may be slightly different based on feel and flow, but again, I don’t think there’s going to be that much change in that regard.”

By keeping the hire in-house, continuity in scheme is a theme of Kentucky’s defense.

“It’s not like we’re starting from scratch. Our defense is our defense,” White said. “Coach Stoops hasn’t changed a lot in seven years. That’s a positive. We can build on that.”

They aren’t starting from scratch, but White does have a lot of production to replace. He inherits a defense that finished 6th in scoring and 23rd in total defense, but only returns four starters. He must find a completely new secondary and call a defense without Josh Allen, White’s protege that’s arguably the school’s greatest playmaker.

Filling in the gaps will not happen overnight. Kentucky has a dozen more spring practices and a fall camp to find new defensive playmakers. Everybody has a clean slate. White does not care who you are. He wants players who will help the defense achieve his ultimate goal.

“When you turn on the film, you have 11 guys flying to the ball every single down. You have 11 guys playing violent with their hands every single down. They got their eyes in the right place. They’re playing with technique. Nothing requires talent here. What it does require is effort, strain and sticking to the technique each position coach is teaching.”

Whittaker, who redshirted as a freshman in 2017 and didn’t register a snap in 2018, signed with Kentucky back in 2017 over offers from Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Notre Dame. A former three-star prospect out of Chaminade-Madonna in Hollywood, Florida, Whittaker was considered 247 Sports’ No. 1006 recruit in the nation and the No. 133 prospect in Florida.

Though Whittaker hasn’t officially announced his transfer and a destination has not been established as of yet, this news shouldn’t come as a major surprise. Kentucky signed arguably its best front seven since Mark Stoops has been at the school, with several of those prospects rumored to make an immediate impact in Lexington.

Attrition happens every year, but with solid depth and up-and-coming prospects ready to earn reps, Kentucky was bound to see at least a few departures this spring.

On Monday, Ryan Lemond sat down with former Kentucky superstar Josh Allen for part one of Hey Kentucky’s exclusive one-on-one interview.

Tonight, part two finally aired, where we got to learn more about how Allen got to Kentucky, what trash talk he has for opposing quarterbacks, his favorite pregame snack, what songs he sings in the shower, and much more.

If you missed part one, you can check it out below:

In the rest of the episode, Matt and Ryan are back in Rupp Arena for another day of the Kentucky boy’s basketball Sweet 16 Tournament. They covered all of today’s hottest topics, including Reid Travis’ possible return for Senior Day, Kentucky’s medical marijuana bill and another day of teacher strikes.

Two of the biggest names from Kentucky football’s historic season are back in Lexington and are getting down to business at KSBar & Grille! They’re sure to be popular guests, so come get in line soon. If you’re at the restaurant by 8:00, these two troopers have agreed to stick around until everyone’s had their chance for pictures and an autograph.

The fun started at 6:00, so some lucky members of the BBN have already had their chance with Allen and Conrad.

Terry Wilson and the Kentucky offense went back to work this morning at the Nutter Field House. As Mark Stoops sets higher expectations for the returning starter, Terry Wilson is focusing on simple goals this spring.

“Fundamentals,” Wilson said this morning. “The biggest thing I’d say is fundamentally. I feel really comfortable with the offense and knowing where I’m supposed to be with the ball; just really emphasizing those little things that I have to correct.”

What exactly are those little things? Quarterbacks coach Darin Hinshaw broke it down.

“We’ve really honed out on fundamentals on throwing. We’re working on getting our lead shoulder to the target. We’re working on opening our front step. We’re pushing the ball back and doing some things we think will help increase his accuracy.”

The second-most accurate season by a quarterback in school history, most of Wilson’s completions in 2018 were not down the field. To be more explosive, offensive coordinator Eddie Gran and Wilson are searching for consistent outside targets. Isaiah Epps and Josh Ali’s names have been called on the first two days of practice — the latter has a pair of exceptional receptions thus far — but the spring season is still young. The more reps they get, the stronger the connection will grow the receivers and Wilson, who’s feeling better than ever before.

“I feel more comfortable,” Wilson said. “Going into this, I know what’s expected. I know how hard I have to work to keep my job. I just gotta keep grinding, encourage others and become more vocal to my teammates.”

Life After Benny

“It feels good to come in and know you’re starting,” Rose said. “Ain’t gotta worry about getting in or playing. He left his legacy here. He’s probably the best running back to come through here and I learned a lot from him, so I’m just trying to add from my game what I got from his.”

Rose has all of the physical tools, but there’s another one Benny brought to the table that’s difficult to simulate or replicate: leadership.

“I wasn’t always a vocal person, so that’s what I’m working on this year is being vocal, helping the young guys and trying to get everybody together,” said Rose.

Rose has a few young, sharp tools joining him in the running backs room. Chris Rodriguez and Kavosiey Smoke each bring plenty of physicality, while Smoke contains an extra burst to get to the next level. Eddie Gran is anxious to see how it all shakes out over the next few months.

“Those three are going to be competing like crazy,” he said. “I love the room. Benny left it in great shape. They know what it takes to be a great running back and the physicality you have to have in this league.”

The newest addition to UK’s coaching staff is getting his feet wet in the first few days of spring practice. Former Wildcat Jon Sumrall looks right at home.

The KyWildcatsTV crew mic’d up Sumrall for today’s helmets-only practice inside the Nutter Field House. When Sumrall urges his players to, “BURST!” you can tell intensity is not a hard to find from this inside linebackers coach.

Start researching Akron football because a new rivalry with the Zips is coming.

Beginning in 2023, your University of Kentucky Wildcats will play a three-game series against Akron. It was originally slated to begin in 2021, but things were shuffled around and now we’ll get UK-Akron for the first time in 2023, per FBSchedules.com.

The series will begin with the Cats traveling to Akron to face the Zips at InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field on Sept. 16, 2023; Akron will return the favor on Aug. 31, 2024; the series will take a year off in 2025; then it’s back in Lexington for a third game in the 2026 season opener at Kroger Field.

According to the letter, Kentucky will pay Akron a $1.2 million guarantee for the 2024 contest and a $550,000 guarantee for the 2026 contest. That’s an increase of $200,000 from the previous agreement, which called for $1.3 million for the 2021 game and $250,000 for the 2024 game.

The 2021 Akron-Kentucky game was moved as a result of Kentucky scheduling a game with the New Mexico State Aggies for that season. UK will pay NMSU a $1.2 million guarantee for that contest.

Shortly after Kentucky finished a ten-win season with a Citrus Bowl victory, the University of Georgia sought out the services of Eddie Gran. UK’s offensive coordinator was courted by the Bulldogs, but ultimately decided to remain with the Kentucky football team. For the first time, he explained why he stayed at UK.

“They offered the job,” he said after UK’s second spring practice. “It came down down to, I love this community. I love this administration, Dr. Capilouto and Mitch Barnhart. The guy that I work for is fantastic and I’ve become a part of this community. I love it. I think we’re doing some things that are special. Those all had a part in the decision when I decided to stay.”

After they were denied, a few folks on the Georgia side contested whether or not Gran was actually offered the job, a fact Gran disputes. Regardless, he’s happy to be back in Lexington for another season with the same offensive staff. The continuity should pay dividends this fall.

“I think it’s huge,” said Gran. “I think it’s huge in recruiting and the relationships you build. For everybody being on the same page, you can go faster, and then if you have to add, you can add and it’s not so strenuous on everybody else. When you’re not teaching somebody a new offense, you can go pretty quick.”

I am back in the Bluegrass after a weekend in Indy. Sorry to bring the cold weather with me, just when you thought spring had sprung. Along with cold weather, I have a few numbers and stories to share. First, the numbers.

Josh Allen

Jordan Jones

Lonnie Johnson

Darius West

Derrick Baity

Benny Snell

40-Yard Dash

4.63

4.62

4.52

4.39

N/A

4.66

Vertical Jump

N/A

32.5”

38”

33.5”

38.5”

29.5”

Broad Jump

118”

123”

129”

113”

127”

119”

3 Cone Drill

7.15

N/A

7.01

N/A

7.06

7.07

20-Yard Shuttle

4.23

4.37

4.1

N/A

4.31

4.33

Bench Press

28

23

15

19

10

16

C.J. Conrad’s abrupt dismissal and Mike Edwards’ injury induced absence shrunk the field of former Wildcats. Each should be fine in time to be tested at UK’s Pro Day later this month. The only answer I do not have is why Baity did not participate in the 40-yard dash.

This week analysts will decide who were the “winners and losers” from the NFL Combine. Kentucky Wildcats will not be featured in either category. Upon first glance, Benny Snell’s numbers were disappointing, until you realize that nobody expected Snell to post great numbers. He’s best at breaking tackles, not showing off breakaway speed.

Three Wildcats earned some money in Indy, even though they weren’t exactly chart toppers. Darius West and Jordan Jones may have been fringe draft picks before they posted above average Combine numbers. Lonnie Johnson was looking to jump into the first round. His 4.52 wasn’t one of the best times, but it should be fast enough for a player his size.

Determining what exactly each player did for their draft stock this week is difficult because we did not see the most important part of the Combine. The weekend isn’t about the Underwear Olympics; it’s about meeting face-to-face with NFL front offices. A long process, how each player performed behind closed doors will take them farther than any padless drill.

Josh Allen Sports Science

The NFL Network analysts were not always overly complimentary of the Kentucky Wildcats, but they did take the time to make sure Josh Allen got the love he deserved with a featured Sports Science segment. The most impressive number: Allen had a sack in 2.5 seconds last season, faster than the average NFL quarterback’s release time.

Highlight of the Week

Some rules are meant to be broken. “No Photos or Videos” be damned, I needed this picture of Rob Ryan and Wade Phillips in my life.

I expected it to be a who’s who of odd encounters with NFL coaches and general managers. Unfortunately, they kept the media as far away from the action as possible. The only drill we were permitted to attend was the bench press, an event that was open to the public. I guess I’ll have to wait until UK’s Pro Day to bust Jon Gruden’s chops.

Numbers for New Players

Before I share a few of the more interesting tidbits from Mark Stoops’ first spring practice press conference, we now know the numbers of the nine new Wildcats that joined the team in January.

6 — Jared Casey

11 — Moses Douglass

21 — Quandre Mosely

26 — Brandin Echols

30 — Taj Dodson

48 — Tra Wilkins

75 — Eli Cox

86 — DeMarcus Harris

96 — Isaiah Gibson

The only player that did not receive a number is Marquez Bembry. The JUCO outside linebacker underwent knee surgery upon arriving to campus and will miss the entire spring. Bembry is the only significant absence to report (although Stoops did say Ahmad Wagner has a hamstring injury that will sideline him for the first week of practice). You can find a complete spring roster here.

Stoops’ Expectations for New Staff

For the first time since he promoted Brad White and hired Jon Sumrall, Stoops broke down what the changes mean for his defense. Even though White has never made calls or coordinated a defense, Stoops believes the transition will be smooth.

“For me, just because he hasn’t done it, we know what we want to do, and we have a lot of confidence in him.” Stoops added, “and I’m there. It’s not anything we do that I’m not tuned into, for the past two years, with building the defense.”

There will likely be a few bumps in the road once the games arrive, but for now, the players are happy to have him on board.

“Our players have so much respect for Brad (White) and what he’s done and the way he can coach and how detailed he is. It’s a lot of fun.”

As for Sumrall, Stoops believes the players will quickly buy into his style.

“He brings a lot to the table. Again, he’s a guy that can relate to anybody and you can see that. He has high energy and works exceptionally hard to it. He’ll bring us a very experienced, good recruiter.”

What will happen in the Secondary?

With five starters departing, the primary task of the spring is finding their replacements. Stoops is taking his time to share who that could potentially be.

“It’s not worth discussing or telling you who starts. It doesn’t matter, you know there’s going to be a lot of work to do between now and then. They have a lot of work to do, so there are some guys who have had some experience.”

Jordan Griffin and Tyrell Ajian have some experience at safety and Davonte Robinson will surely play significant snaps. Stoops also mentioned Cedrick Dort and Yusuf Corker as a few experienced players, but Moe Douglass, Taj Dodson, Brandin Echols and Quandre Mosely will play a role. What that specifically is will take shape over the next six weeks.

Weekly Alliance Update

As you’ve already heard, Austin MacGinnis was incredible in his AAF debut. The former Wildcat’s clutch performance carried the Memphis Express to their first win. You’ll enjoy this story on MacGinnis by former Depth Chart Podcast guest Jason Munz. If for some strange reason you don’t like it, you’ll love this trick play in the snow from the Old Ball Coach.

UK Football Commit is Blowing Up

Before I depart for the day, one recruiting nugget. Offensive tackle Richie Leonard has received plenty of attention since he became the Wildcats’ first commitment in the 2020 class. After earning offensive line MVP honors at a regional Nike camp, Leonard picked up offers from Miami and Florida State. Tennessee and West Virginia also offered last month.

UK was wise to go all in on Leonard early in the process. It’s almost like they have a good eye for talent or something.

I’ll be back at the Joe Craft Football Training Facility tomorrow morning for updates from the offense following practice No. 2. March Madness has a different meaning on South Campus.

The best pass rusher to ever wear a Kentucky uniform will hear his name called in next month’s NFL Draft.

Before he becomes a first round pick, Allen is touring the state to meet the Big Blue Nation. Allen talked to Hey Kentucky’s Ryan Lemond about his upcoming autograph tour with C.J. Conrad, his NFL Combine experience and much more.

“It’s been a really solid off-season for us. To this point, I am really impressed with the work that our strength and conditioning guys have done in the weight room. Guys look bigger, stronger and they’ve worked hard. Guys have been moving around, they were in great shape today. For the first spring practice, they look efficient. I liked the way we practiced and moved around, we looked much more efficient than we were a year ago, which is a good sign. Overall, I feel good. We have a lot of work to do. There are quite a few players that we have to replace, but I feel good about what we have on campus and the talent we have here, and their work ethic and their attitude. So I’m very encouraged, we know there is an awful lot of work to do. It’s good that we have a lot of time, 14 more spring practices and look to improve each and every day. We’ll get back at it (Tuesday), quick turnaround here, this is the only time we go back-to-back all spring, so we go right back at it tomorrow. We’ll get two more practices in before spring break, then we’ll have spring break off, and come back and finish up every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, so we’ll have a solid month when we get back. We’ll have a lot of time to be efficient at what we’re doing.”

On whether a depth chart is prepared or not in the secondary…

“We do, it’s not worth discussing or telling you who starts. It doesn’t matter, you know there’s going to be a lot of work to do between now and then. They [the players] have a lot of work to do, so there are some guys who have had some experience. With Jordan [Griffin] and Davonte [Robinson], those guys played some quality snaps. Aside from that, in particular at corner, there is a lot of work to do, a lot of inexperience. Same with Tyrell [Ajian], he ended up playing a lot for us last year. I feel good about Yusuf [Corker], and you got (freshman) Mo Douglass in here at midterm, which is good. The corners, they’re the ones that have a lot of inexperience. Cedrick Dort played a little bit as a freshman and ended up getting injured last year. We ended up redshirting him, so he obviously has some experience.”

On the learning curve for newcomers …

“There’s going to be a learning curve. We have a lot of ground to make up. You can’t replace that experience in playing. There’s no replacing game reps, however, we have to do the best we can at putting a lot of pressure on them during this spring. I will say, the nice thing for these players and our team, as I mentioned in one of my earlier press conferences, I notice our team, the habits are better. We’re cleaner, they saw what it looked like to have success and I’m encouraged by that.”

On Jordan Griffin’s position…

“He’s playing safety, but he can move around a little bit. He’s played just safety, but he always could play nickel as well.”